Sport

Adams targets promotion - as champions

HAMPSHIRE captain Jimmy Adams set his team's sights on more silverware after his side took a giant step to the LV County Championship’s first division.

Adams’ side beat Leicestershire by an innings and 34 runs to close the gap on leaders Worcestershire to seven points – and increase their lead over the rest to 32.

With two games to go, Hampshire now have every chance of not only securing a third promotion but of going up as champions for the first time.

Hampshire host Kent on September 15 before taking on Glamorgan at Cardiff in their final game.

“If we can win one of the last two we’ll be in a very strong position and if we can go up as champions it would be an amazing effort by the guys and testament to the hard work that everyone’s put in,” said Adams, who is the only survivor from the Hampshire team that won promotion as runners-up under Shane Warne a decade ago.

“It would be foolish to settle for that (second place) if we have the chance to go better,” he said. “Worcestershire have been dragged back and there are a few sides in the mix that will feel they can catch anyone.

“It will be nice to win both the games and try and pip Worcestershire if we can.”

Double-centurion Adams was delighted with a second win in as many Championship matches without Kyle Abbott, following an outstanding performance from his seam attack.

“The guys have really stepped up, it was a big confidence boost to know we can force results without our leading bowler,” he said.

“The bowling unit was excellent. It was a good wicket so it was always going to be hard work for the seamers, but they made use of the new ball and found the edge a few times.

“We bowled very well up front, we set a good tone with the new ball and we caught our catches - the guys were excellent in the slips.

“It was a great day, one of those where they nicked balls that went to hand and every half chance we took. Everything we could have asked for went out way.”

Hampshire are now preparing to welcome back Imran Tahir for the last two matches, while Worcestershire continued to lose ground without Saeed Ajmal, losing by 138 runs to Derbyshire.

“It’s nice to have someone like Immy to come in and boost our wicket-taking potential,” added Adams.